We continue to analyze the effects that initialization parameters, statistics and hints have on SQL statement access paths. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the hints we can use to influence the optimizer to select an access path that is different from the one it would normally choose. We’ll also review a few of the tools that we will be using to monitor and compare SQL statement access paths and performance for our upcoming tests.

We are continuing our series on how to become access path scientists. In previous blogs, we This series of blogs begins with a high-level overview of Oracle query optimization. We’ll also learn the difference between estimated and runtime access paths. Subsequent blogs will provide details on the various tools we can use to retrieve access path information.

If you want to become an access path guru, you’ll need to spend some time learning how optimization parameters, statistics and hints affect SQL access paths and statement performance. This blog will provide you with a few hints and tips to help you begin your scientific analysis of the Oracle optimization process. In upcoming blogs, I’ll provide you with some sample test cases.

Introduction
In today’s business environment, being a successful DBA is more than just being technical. If you want to excel in this profession, you must be seen as someone who understands both the business and technical aspects of the applications you support.

I thought I would spend a little time discussing the importance of soft skills. If you want to remain competitive in this profession, you must be able to communicate effectively. I’ll provide you with a few helpful hints and tips to improve your verbal and written communication skills. The importance of improving your communication skills cannot be understated. I don’t care how strong of a technician you are, if you can’t communicate effectively with your peers, you won’t be able to succeed in this profession. In the old days, you might have been able to get by with just your technical skills. That is definitely not the case in today’s business environment.

Database administrators are ultimately responsible for guaranteeing the quality of their organization’s database environments. From protecting against unauthorized access to providing 24×7 availability – “the buck stops at the DBA Unit.” Although the database infrastructure (DB binaries, O/S, hardware) doesn’t change much, there is one component that usually changes a lot – the application. This blog provides readers with helpful hints and tips on application change management best practices.

Database administrators are much more than just “table jockeys.” Because of our well-rounded expertise, we are often asked to help evaluate third-party business applications, application development tools and database administration and monitoring products. Over the years, I have developed a Product Evaluation Methodology that you may find helpful.

This blog will focus on the most important responsibility we are charged with as DBAs – ensuring that our organization’s databases can be quickly and easily recovered. My intent with most of these blogs is to provide information that you won’t find from other sources. You can find the mechanics of database administration in a multitude of places. But that’s not the only information you need to become successful at protecting your databases against “unforseen and unfortunate circumstances.”

Because of my background in Oracle Education, I am often asked about Oracle training, which classes would be most beneficial and how to prepare for the certification tests. The purpose of this article is to help students better understand Oracle education and the Oracle certification process.